The Archos 50f Helium Lite is a 5-inch, entry-level 4G LTE smartphone from 2016. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor and runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This guide provides the official stock firmware package to perform a full software restoration on your device.
This is a complete stock ROM package designed to be installed using the Qualcomm Flash Image Loader (QFIL) tool. It is the correct solution for fixing major software issues, such as a hard-bricked device that is only detected in EDL mode, a phone stuck in a bootloop, or other critical system errors.
Important Note: The provided firmware has a “CN” region code, indicating it is for the Chinese market. This version may not include Google Play Services (like the Play Store) by default and may contain different pre-installed applications.
⚠️ Data Deletion Warning
The flashing process will completely erase all data from your phone’s internal storage, including:
- Contacts and call logs
- Messages and chat history
- Photos, videos, and files
- Installed apps and settings
Please back up your data before proceeding. This action is irreversible and your information cannot be recovered once erased.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Archos 50f Helium Lite
- Release year: 2016
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 (MSM8909)
- Display: 5.0″ IPS LCD, 720 x 1280 pixels
- RAM/Storage: 1GB/8GB
- Battery: 2000 mAh
- Original OS: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Required Downloads
To follow this guide, you will need the QPST software suite (which includes QFIL) and the specific Qualcomm USB drivers. You can find secure download links for these tools in our main guide, which is linked in the section below.
- The firmware package from the table below
- QPST (which includes the QFIL tool)
- Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 Drivers
Official Stock Firmware (ROM)
| Region / Version | Android Version | Type | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| China (CN) / V13 | 6.0 Marshmallow | Stock ROM (QFIL) | Download |
How to Flash Stock Firmware
To restore the firmware on your Archos 50f Helium Lite, you must use the QFIL tool and boot the device into EDL Mode (Emergency Download Mode). First, ensure the correct Qualcomm 9008 drivers are installed on your Windows PC. Power off the phone completely. Then, press and hold both the Up and Down volume buttons simultaneously while connecting it to your PC with a USB cable. Your PC should detect it as “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.” Next, launch QFIL, select “Flat Build,” and load the programmer file (e.g., prog_emmc_firehose_...) and the rawprogram/patch XML files from the extracted firmware folder. Finally, click the “Download” button to begin flashing.
For complete, step-by-step instructions, driver downloads, and error troubleshooting, please follow our comprehensive pillar guide: How to Install Firmware with QFIL.
Device-Specific Troubleshooting for Archos 50f Helium Lite
- China Region Firmware (CN): Be aware that this firmware is intended for the Chinese market. It may not have Google Play Services (including the Play Store) installed by default. You might need to manually install them after flashing. It may also contain Chinese-language apps which can be uninstalled.
- Entering EDL Mode: If the volume button method doesn’t work, try connecting the USB cable first and then holding the buttons. If the device is hard-bricked and not detected, it may require using “EDL test points” on the mainboard, which is an advanced procedure.
- QFIL “Sahara” or “FireHose” Errors: These are the most common QFIL errors. A Sahara error usually indicates a problem with the initial handshake, often caused by incorrect or conflicting USB drivers. A FireHose error typically points to an issue with the programmer file or an unstable connection. Ensure you are using the correct
.mbnprogrammer file included in the firmware package. - “No Port Available” in QFIL: This message means the phone is not being detected by your computer in the correct mode. Check Windows Device Manager. If you don’t see “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” under Ports (COM & LPT), the drivers are not installed correctly, or the device is not in EDL mode.
FAQs
- Q1. My Archos 50f Helium Lite is dead. Will this firmware fix it?
- Yes. If the issue is software-related (a “soft brick” or “hard brick” where the device is only detected in EDL mode), this full QFIL firmware package is the standard procedure for reviving it.
- Q2. Can I use SP Flash Tool for this?
- No. This device uses a Qualcomm chipset and requires the QFIL tool. SP Flash Tool is for MediaTek devices and will not work.
- Q3. What is EDL Mode?
- EDL (Emergency Download) Mode is a special, low-level recovery mode on Qualcomm-powered devices. It allows tools like QFIL to communicate directly with the device’s storage, making it possible to flash firmware even when the device appears to be bricked.
- Q4. Will this process remove a Google Account (FRP) lock?
- No. Flashing the stock firmware restores the OS but does not bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP). You will still be required to enter the credentials of the last Google account synced to the device.
